TED Talks Daily Is technology our savior — or our slayer? | Ruha Benjamin
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Nov 6, 2023 
Ruha Benjamin, a sociologist focused on the intersections of race and technology, joins David Kelly, founder of IDEO, to discuss the transformative power of technology. They argue against viewing technology solely as a savior or a slayer. Instead, they highlight how human values can shape technology to uplift communities. They explore grassroots initiatives that foster participatory governance and examine how overcoming fears related to creativity can lead to breakthroughs in healthcare for kids, reminding us of our innate creative potential.
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Two Flawed Narratives
- Two dominant narratives about the future exist: one where technology saves us, another where it destroys us.
- Both narratives disempower humanity by assuming technology controls our destiny.
Us-topia
- We need to shift our focus from dystopia or utopia to "us-topia," a future shaped by collective action.
- "Us-topia" recognizes that we, not technology, determine our destiny.
Biotech Disparity
- Ruha Benjamin witnessed how biotech innovation at UC Berkeley prioritized advanced research over basic healthcare access.
- This exemplifies a "lopsided imagination" that neglects social needs.